No plans for more drug rehab services on Coast

THE North-West Coast already had access to drug and alcohol services, the state’s Minister for Health Michael Ferguson said yesterday.

THE North-West Coast already had access to drug and alcohol services, the state’s Minister for Health Michael Ferguson said yesterday.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson

His comments were in response to retiring magistrate Don Jones, who told The Advocate on Monday more rehabilitation services were needed on the North-West Coast to deal with the region’s growing drug problem.

When in opposition in 2012, the Liberal party jumped on similar comments from Don Jones about rehabilitation services to criticise the former Labor government.

Yesterday, Mr Ferguson did not say the government would expand rehabilitation services on the Coast.

‘‘There are currently a range of organisations which provide support and treatment for alcohol and drug related issues in the North-West,’’ Mr Ferguson said.

Meanwhile the Labor opposition, who the Liberals criticised in 2012, have had their turn to criticise the current government.

Shadow Minister for Health, Bec White, called on the government to give drug and alcohol services priority in this week’s budget, amid growing concerns about the lack of treatment facilities in the North-West.

‘‘The Liberal Government needs to prioritise alcohol and drug services in this week’s budget and build on Labor’s Tasmanian Drug Strategy (2013-2018) which seeks to develop a more coordinated response,’’ Ms White said.

‘‘Unfortunately the demand for alcohol and drug services is growing, which reinforces the importance of prevention, early intervention and treatment.

‘‘Labor is committed to supporting vulnerable Tasmanians and communities, as well as the organisations that support them.’’

Mr Ferguson talked up reforms to unify the state’s three health services into one.

‘‘As part of these reforms, the government will develop and release a white paper ... this paper will be released in early 2015,’’ Mr Ferguson said.